'I never see such company!' 'Because,' said Mrs Varden, 'because I never interfere or interrupt; because I never question where anybody comes or goes; because my whole mind and soul is bent on saving where I can save, and labouring in this house;--therefore, they try me as they do.' 'Martha,' urged the locksmith, endeavouring to look as wakeful as possible, 'what is it you complain of?
I really came home with every wish and desire to be happy.

I did, indeed.' 'What do I complain of!' retorted his wife.

'Is it a chilling thing to have one's husband sulking and falling asleep directly he comes home--to have him freezing all one's warm-heartedness, and throwing cold water over the fireside?
Is it natural, when I know he went out upon a matter in which I am as much interested as anybody can be, that I should wish to know all that has happened, or that he should tell me without my begging and praying him to do it?
Is that natural, or is it not ?' 'I am very sorry, Martha,' said the good-natured locksmith.

'I was really afraid you were not disposed to talk pleasantly; I'll tell you everything; I shall only be too glad, my dear.' 'No, Varden,' returned his wife, rising with dignity.

'I dare say--thank you! I'm not a child to be corrected one minute and petted the next--I'm a little too old for that, Varden.